by Stacey Kayne
“Sun’s up,” he said. “I need my arm back.”
Her ear was resting against the pillow of his arm. Her gaze dropped to the chest nearly pressed to her cheek, then lower still. Shock stole her breath. She had turned beneath his coat, her arm now draped over his waist; she realized he’d been trying to untangle himself from her.
She shot up, nearly clipping his chin with her head.
“Sorry. I, uh…” An instant flush burned into her cheeks. “I wasn’t trying to…”
“Stay warm?” he offered.
“Yes, well, not with you.”
He arched an eyebrow.
Frightfully aware of every warm spot on her skin, she couldn’t rightly push that argument. Her body hummed from a volatile combination of reality and dreams. Had she really said his name aloud?
The heat in her face intensified.
Juniper turned away and picked up his gun belt as he stood. He pushed back the edges of his long coat and strapped on his guns. His first step faltered, reminding Lily of his injured foot. He muttered something under his breath, then knelt beside the smoldering fire pit.
Lily released a long, hard breath and pressed her hands to her flushed cheeks. Not even the morning air helped to cool the warmth blazing beneath her skin.
We were just sleeping! The heated swirls twisting low in her belly reminded her that her dreams hadn’t been quite so innocent. She’d never felt such a pleasurable stir, not even with Edmond. And he’d had his hands on her bare skin.
Why am I thinking about that?
“I was trying to wake Regi,” she explained, more for her own peace of mind than Juniper’s. “And you…you grabbed me.”
Juniper was glad she couldn’t see the smile seeping across his lips. “Did I?” he asked, knowing full well he had. It hadn’t taken more than a whisper to wake him from a deep sleep. He couldn’t get back to sleep with her chirping at Reginald.
“You did,” she said. “When I tried to pull away, your hold only tightened.”
“Tired as I was, I’d likely have cuddled up to a porcupine.”
“Yes, well…”
He glanced back and followed her gaze toward Reginald, still curled up in his blanket, sleeping like the dead.
Lucky man.
Juniper would be a long time forgetting the vision of Lily lying in his arms, a smile on her lips as his name tumbled from her mouth in a breathless sigh. The thought that she’d welcomed him into her dreams…His body didn’t stand a chance.
I shouldn’t even be contemplating such things, he silently scolded.
He rocked back on his heels, watching a small fire blossom and hoping the one in his britches would soon go out. “I must confess, I’d have expected you to fight me off like a wounded bear before lying pliant in the arms of a gunslinger.”
“Oh, let’s not start that again,” she said with exasperation.
Another grin tugged at his mouth.
“And I was hardly lying pliant in your arms—we were sleeping.”
Sleep hadn’t come easy once he’d tucked her trembling weight into his coat. When she’d finally succumbed to sleep, she’d turned in his arms, burrowing deeper into the cove of his body, tormenting him with every sigh. She’d relaxed in his arms as pliant as a sated lover. And he’d sweated bullets, aching to the roots of his teeth as he’d waited for sleep to descend upon him like a dark shroud of mercy.
Once it had, the hours of sound sleep had been worth the initial discomfort. He’d actually slept past sunrise. Now all he had to do was distract her long enough to ditch her at his folks’ place, find her cash box and get her tucked back into her San Francisco mansion.
Doable.
“I’m going to check on the horses and get some water.”
“I’d love a hot chocolate, should you find a sweetshop along the way.”
Juniper glanced back, her request spoken as though he might actually find a sweetshop in the middle of nowhere. “I’ll keep an eye out.”
Lily glanced at Regi sleeping soundly beside her, wrapped in the blanket he’d hogged for himself.
“Wake up,” she snapped, and smacked his shoulder.
Regi surged up, his eyes wide and unfocused.
“What? Who?”
“Me, and it’s morning.”
He blinked and rubbed at his eyes. “So it is.” He glanced around and scrubbed a hand over his face. “Where’s our sheriff?”
Regi’s choice of words did little to help the maddening stir of heated flutters fading into a wave of sheer dread. “He’s gone to fetch some water. If you can unwrap yourself from that cocoon, perhaps you can help me saddle our horses?”
“Sorry, love. I hope you didn’t freeze.”
Lily rather wished she had. Suppressing a groan, she pushed to her feet. She needed a privy, a warm bath and a cup of steaming cocoa, but would have to settle for the privacy of a bush and a refreshing splash of stream water.
“Let’s freshen up and then saddle the horses.”
The sooner they were on the move, the sooner this nightmare would end.
“Are you ready to admit I was right?” asked Regi, his smirk suggesting she should indeed have sold the camp without opening the first file.
Her expression must have conveyed her answer.
“Right,” he said, turning away. “I’ll fetch the saddles.”
Lily went to Juniper’s saddlebags and pulled out one of the bandannas he’d used to tie her up. Might as well get some use out of one, she thought, and turned in the direction of the stream she’d spotted while sitting atop the boulder the night before.
Bright spring grasses covered the countryside amid the sporadic clusters of gnarled oaks. Large clusters of golden poppies and purple lupines swayed with the blades of tall grass, looking very much like colorful kelp beds on a green sea. The early-morning sun felt warm against her skin as she walked up an embankment, toward the growing sound of trickling water. Her sore legs complained with each stride. At the top, grass and flowers spilled over toward the wide stream at the bottom of the slope. Sunlight twinkled like stars on ripples of water rushing over smooth rocks. Her tension eased as she descended into a vision of tranquility.
She knelt at the stream’s edge and dunked the red cloth into freezing-cold water. Chills raced across her skin as she pressed the cold rag to her face. Just what she needed, something aside from Juniper Barns to jar her senses.
By the time she made it back to their campsite, she was hardly refreshed, but had managed to at least wipe off some trail dust and had used the damp bandanna to tie back the tangled mass of her hair. Juniper was crouched near the fire, capping a canteen. He stood and held the canvas-covered canteen out to her as she approached.
“Something sweet for the lady,” he said.
“Sweet?” She took the canteen and glanced questioningly at Juniper.
“Blackberry tea. I found a bush near the river, and some herbs for the tea. You and Reg can finish off the rest of the berries.” He motioned to the tin plate piled with black and purple berries.
An herbal tea sweetened with blackberries? As she opened the cap, a pleasing aroma soothed her senses. She took a sip, which became a deep drink. Still warm, the tea was slightly sweet, mostly tart, and wholly refreshing. Lowering the canteen, she dragged in a deep breath.
“It’s good.”
“Glad you like it,” he said, squatting back down. “That and a handful of berries is all you’ll be getting until we reach the Double D.” He poured some water from another canteen into his coffeepot, swished it around, then tossed it out before filling the pot and placing the filter inside.
He’d made the tea just for her. Unease winding inside her, Lily slowly twisted the cap back on. She hadn’t truly expected him to bring something sweet back from the river. She didn’t know if she should be wary or simply grateful.
“Thank you.”
“No problem,” he said, keeping his gaze on the bag of coffee in his hands.
Unsure ho
w to respond to his unexpected consideration countered by such indifference, she slid the canteen strap onto her shoulder and started toward the meadow. Birds chattered in the trees overhead. A squirrel scampering up the twisted trunk of an oak paused, then raced quickly into the branches. She found Regi beyond the noise and activity in the trees. He stood on an open field, the two horses behind him already saddled. Bridal and bit in hand, he watched Juniper’s horse bite at a clump of tall grass.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, noting his pinched expression.
“I don’t think he likes me. He snorts and turns his ears down whenever I take a step in his direction.”
The stallion was definitely aware of their presence, his ears pricking at the sound of their voices. Lily moved closer, and sure enough, the large bay horse snapped his ears back, but made no attempt to avoid her. If anything, he dipped his big head and lipped the grass at a faster pace.
“He’s bluffing,” she said, and took the harnesses from Regi. The stallion’s brown eye watched her approach, his muzzle moving even faster over the tall grasses.
“You’re just enjoying your downtime, aren’t you?”
The moment she stopped beside him, he raised his head, his powerful jaw working a mouthful of grass. She reached up and rubbed at the stiff hair behind his hears. His pleasurable response sent a spatter of green dots across her dress front.
“Don’t worry,” she said with a laugh. “You can’t do more damage than has already been done.” She lifted the halter toward his muzzle. He took the bit and bridle like a true gentleman. “You’ve got good manners, don’t you, boy? After the way you were worked yesterday, I don’t blame you for wanting to avoid a saddle.”
“Keep him distracted,” Regi said, stepping up to the horse with a saddle blanket.
Now disinterested in the people around him, her new friend went back to grazing. Regi hoisted Juniper’s saddle and shifted it into place. He seemed surprisingly spry after the grueling day they’d spent on the trail. He’d also had more sleep than any of them. The memory of how he’d enjoyed Juniper’s colorful depiction of her personal life burned into her mind. Regi had actually compared her to her aunts.
“Did you mean what you said about me last night?”
Regi fastened the cinch and glanced up at her. “What’s that?”
“Your references to me being a cold tyrant.”
His dark eyes flared wide. “I said no such thing.”
“You told Juniper I was cold by nature.”
“A slip of the tongue. I was far too exhausted to have my wits about me.”
“I see. You were too tired to suppress your true feelings.”
Regi blinked in surprise. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“Has Sheriff Barns said something else to upset you?” he demanded, touching the backs of his hands to his hips.
She glanced down at the canteen of tea. “No. I’ve just been thinking about yesterday, and seeing myself in a new light, I think.” A bright and startling light.
“Lily, you’re hardly a cold tyrant. I wouldn’t choose to spend each day in your company if you were. If you tend to be harsh at times, it’s only because that’s what life requires of you. It’s no secret between us that you carry all the responsibility of the company. Do I worry that you spend too much time focused on numbers and not enough on yourself? Yes. I harp on the matter quite frequently. None of which changes the fact that you’re my dearest friend and about the only relative I care to claim. And who else would put up with my endless prattling about utter nonsense?”
“You don’t prattle about utter nonsense, and you were right about the lumber camp. I owe you that apology. I’m sorry for not listening to you, Regi.”
His brow creased with concern. “Perhaps I should check that bump on your head.”
“My head is fine.” The rest of her was in tatters, but what did it matter?
“This is about Barns. I understand your distrust of him. But I do believe his intentions are sound. Last night he was angry and ill-tempered. You did shoot the man. All things considered, I think you’re both handling the situation rather well.”
Lily nearly laughed, certain all that could have gone wrong most definitely had.
“You’ll turn this lumber camp around,” he said, offering an encouraging smile. “You’ve not failed me yet.”
She’d also never been the direct cause of an employee’s death, nor was she used to such feelings of insecurity. In her own element she hardly ever second-guessed herself or her decisions.
It’s easy to be confident when not looking further than one’s self.
Juniper stepped onto the meadow, his bundle of supplies in his arms. Just the sight of him sent a charge through her body.
Juniper Barns was an element unto himself.
“Your breakfast of coffee and berries is in camp,” he said to Regi. “Better get it before the critters do.”
“I’ll fight off anything for coffee,” Regi said.
“Thanks for tacking up my horse.”
“Not a problem,” said Regi. “You might want to double-check everything.”
Juniper was already reaching for the cinch. His hands moved to the bridle, checking every buckle and clasp. “For a dandy, you ain’t half-bad, Reg.”
Already rushing toward camp, Regi turned, flashing a smile. “Lily has had some influence on me.”
“Keeps you on your toes, does she?”
“Somebody’s got to,” Regi called back before walking beyond the trees.
The friendly exchange bruised her ravaged ego. Lily turned and walked to her mare grazing a short distance away.
If you tend to be harsh at times, it’s only because that’s what life requires of you.
Regi’s words were little consolation. Her only friend thought her harsh.
Stop thinking about it. Once they recovered her money she could start to put things right, and Juniper could go back to dominating the mountainside.
She reached for the saddle, her strained thigh muscles burning as she lifted a foot into the stirrup. A groan escaped her lips.
“Are you hurting?”
She turned, shocked to find Juniper directly behind her, his pale blue eyes full of concern. Instantly she wanted to rage at him. Of course she was hurting! She spent her days in a cool, cushioned office, not blazing through the hillside on horseback.
“I’ll survive.”
“Here, let me h—”
“Would you just stop?” she spat, stepping aside to dodge his helpful hands.
His shocked expression only made her feel worse and increased her anger.
“I was—”
“Being considerate. I know. I get it. Juniper Barns, the dashing lawman.”
“I wasn’t trying to—”
“And humble,” she added, laughter uncurling from her throat. “My God, Prince Charming could take lessons.”
She stepped up and shifted into the saddle, ignoring the pain. “All you need to worry about is recovering our money. Can we just do that?”
“Sure,” he said, shaking his head as he turned away.
Harsh. Seemed Regi was right, and this was one of those times when life required her to be harsh.
She didn’t know how else to react to Juniper, or to the flurry of emotions he caused by simply standing there.
As the day wore on, Lily realized she might have wanted a horseback view the day before, but not at the pace they’d been keeping. In these lower hills every new stretch of land seemed nearly identical to the last; massive ripples of grass were spotted by rocks, oak trees and cattle. By the time the sun began sliding away from its noontime position, her canteen was bone-dry and her energy sapped. With every dragging moment, she knew Juniper Barns would have her eating her words yet again:
“By tomorrow afternoon I won’t be interested in clean beds and warm baths. I’m not planning a weekend stay on your foster parents’ ranch. I want to recover my money and get back to The Gro
ve.”
Sore, tired and starving, nothing sounded more splendid than a full meal, a warm bath and a soft bed. Provided she managed to stay in the saddle long enough to reach the Double D Ranch. It wouldn’t have mattered if her cash box dropped from the sky and into her lap at this very moment. She doubted she could ride another five miles to save her life. It wouldn’t take more than a good gust of wind to knock her flat on the ground.
Regi rode beside her, his shoulders slumped, looking as worn-out as she felt. Juniper rode a few yards ahead of them, and didn’t appear to be fatigued in the slightest. Poised and alert, he seemed ready to tackle a bear or any other danger that might come their way.
A tall wooden arch came into view. A sign hanging above the wide dirt road announced the entrance to the Double D Ranch. Yet she saw no sign of a house, barn or anything else to indicate a ranch nearby.
“It’s around the next hillside,” he said, motioning ahead of them as they rode beneath the archway.
Lily heaved a sigh of relief. She hoped to have a few hours of rest before Günter arrived. It was time he shared their plan for recovering her cash box. Juniper must have discussed them with his deputy after she’d ridden out with Reginald. She urged her horse on and rode in close beside him.
“Juniper?”
He turned his head, surprise lighting the features shaded by the brim of his hat.
Dear Lord. She clearly looked as weary and ragged as she felt.
“Lily?” he said.
“The thief’s ranch is close?”
“You see where that ridge ends?” He motioned to a long rise of flat terrain trailing off into the distance. “And the taller one spiking up just beside it?”
“Yes.”
“The Chandler homestead is in the middle of that gap.”
Lily nearly winced. Miles and miles of hilly ground stood between them and that gap. “How far is that?”
“Likely just over ten miles from Jed’s house.”
Juniper glanced again at Lily as her tired eyes roved the landscape. He wondered if sheer exhaustion had her relaxed in the saddle and calling him by his first name. She hadn’t said but five words to him all day and hardly looked in his direction. He wasn’t about to complain. He’d been trying to do the same. It didn’t take but a glimpse of her bright hair for him to recall the only other time she’d addressed him so informally. The gentle sway of her body in the saddle only reminded him of those smooth curves pressed flush against him.